Victorian kangaroos on menu after population boom

MELBOURNE: The Victorian Government will allow shooting wild kangaroos for human food, after their population boomed by almost 40% to nearly 2 million.

One of Australia’s most iconic animals is on the verge of becoming a wildlife pest in Victoria, and they may now be destined for the dinner plate.

The kangaroo, which appears on the national coat of arms, has had such a population boom in the state that the Victorian government will allow the native marsupial to be consumption.

Victoria’s kangaroo population has increased nearly 40% since 2018, to levels which have prompted concerns that they could become a pest animal.

In response, the state government has hiked its 2021 quota for the kangaroo harvest by 37,780, to a total of 95,680.

Victorian Agriculture Minister MaryAnne Thomas said too many wild kangaroos competed with livestock for food.

culled

for human

‘‘It’s important that kangaroo numbers are sustainably managed in Victoria to reduce impacts on landholders,’’ she said.

Kangaroo meat is regarded as an environmentally friendly source of protein, due to the comparatively low carbon emissions from its production.

The state government says the meat would be harvested by professional shooters who met strict health and safety accreditation, and abided by a national code of practice. — AAP